How does a higher ₹110/L petrol price change the EV break-even?
Based on these numbers, petrol costs about ₹6.88/km to run versus ₹1.33/km for the EV. The EV pays back its extra upfront price in about 3.91 years (around 49905.73 km driven). Over the full ownership period, EV works out cheaper overall, by about ₹3,14,358.
Should I buy an EV or a petrol car?
It depends almost entirely on how much you drive. An EV usually costs more upfront but far less per kilometre to run — so the more distance you cover, the faster that gap closes. This calculator finds your specific break-even point: the year (and the total distance) at which the EV’s lower running cost has paid back its higher purchase price.
What this simplifies, on purpose
Electricity cost uses a single blended rate rather than separately tracking home versus public charging — if you charge mostly in public (which usually costs more per unit), set this rate higher than your home tariff to reflect that. The comparison also leaves out insurance and resale value — insurance premiums for EVs and petrol cars are usually fairly close, and resale value depends heavily on the specific model and condition, which a generic calculator can’t know. It also doesn’t model a car loan, inflation in fuel/electricity prices, or government subsidies — all ignored to keep this a straightforward running-cost comparison rather than a full financial plan.